I'm shopping for trees and plants -- come along!

People are always asking me where I like to shop for things. Truth be told, I like to explore and shop in many different places. Recently, I went plant shopping with Andrew Beckman, my gardening editorial director, and George Pisegna, who works at my farm in Bedford. Our destination was Hardscrabble Farms in North Salem, New York, a wholesale nursery not too far from my home. The 80-acre establishment has been in business since 1997, specializing in native species, plantings for wetland mitigation, and ornamental conifers –- a hobby of the owner, Robert Covino. Much of the nursery is on a hillside and fortunately, they have powered carts to travel around in, because it was quite muddy when we visited that day.

Here I am with Paul from the nursery driving, Andrew and George in the back.

We're starting to climb up the hillside.

All kinds of beautiful trees

Some ornamental conifers.

A beautiful view.

Trees wrapped for protection.

Beautiful arborvitae.

Here we are trying to decide.

Vinca, a lovely ground cover.

A long row of nursery stock.

More nursery stock.

And more nursery stock.

A mass of pachysandra.

Making more decisions.

Isn't this place just lovely?

Another view.

And another view with someone else's delivery, getting ready to leave.

And here is Fernando unloading what we bought that day.

Comments

[MMC in San Diego]

Wonderful photos, Martha! The plants become a beautifully composed still-life!

MMC

[Barbara]

Martha, what a wonderful shopping experience. I can go to a clothing store and come out with nothing, but my husband cringes when I enter the plant store! It is so hard to choose! Pleasant plantings! Barbara

[Sasha Libby]

It's always hard to decide, especially when everything looks so healthy and lush. This is the most exciting time of the gardening season!

[Roselyn Fredericks]

Hi Martha, I'm from Cape Town South Africa and I love watching your show. I will be visiting friends in Atlanta in 2009 and would like to know where I could purchase your arts and crafts. I will also be going to New York so I'll be shopping in Atlanta as well as New York.

[Kathy]

Hi, Martha,
Thanks for taking us along to Hardscrabble Farms. The native species, those for wetlands mitigation, as well as the ornamental conifers at this nursery are interesting. I look forward to seeing the truck filled with wonders being unloaded by Fernando planted on your farm.
Kathy

[Nan Ashby]

Hi Martha, What a fantastic nursery. I need at least 3 relatively large boxwoods to put in my front yard along the old brick walkway entrance. We have a space there that is empty because of an ice-storm that devastated three boxwoods leaving a space in the entrance. I don't know if I should get small or large boxwoods to revive the devastation area. What do you suggest. Nan

[happyathome]

What a beautiful nursery! I live in Eastern CT where I am fortunate to have several places around me to purchase plants. Where you described looks like a wonderful day trip!

[so NOT cool]

This is definitely one of the best parts of spring ... buying new plants. (And, making room for them!!)

[Sherey]

Oh what fun! Gorgeous nursery and it looks like you found some great additions for your landscape. The great thing about gardening is there is always something we need or must have!

[Lori Stewart]

The plants are so luscious and beautiful. The nursery will easily be the envy of many.

[Diana]

Looks like a wonderful trip!

[Margie]

Martha,
This is one shopping tour I would have done anything to have been on. I would loved to have been in your hind pocket just to listen and learn.
A wet day at a tree nursery---what great sounds and smells.
Thank you.

[Jon]

Hi Martha,
Enjoyed this posting tremendously.
Are the purple flowering shrubs in the back of the delivery truck crape myrtles? If not, they are suitable for the Bedford area, which is a Zone 6 according to the USDA Tree and Plant Hardiness Chart. Here in Central Texas they are planted all over the place, and many are in full bloom, and will continue to bloom into early Fall.
I like the white varieties the best, because of the contrast of the blooms against the dark green foliage. And the bark of the tree is especially attractive, which makes it even more interesting. If you do not have a one, think about getting at least one. I am sure you will love it.
Take care.

[Cindi]

How fun!
I love visiting nurseries, but don't like to do the work!!!

[KellySchwark.com]

Oh I know that place well! How funny that you have been sharing some of my favorite places right here on your blog! Thanks Martha.

Kelly in Connecticut

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, I just love your shopping trips and field trips! It's so much fun to see the different parts of the beautiful state of New York that you love to visit. The Hardscrabble nursery is absolutely beautiful. With all of it's greenery and plantlife, it reminds me of the foothills area of the Cascade Mountains. I love spending time in nature's wonderful outdoors and it looks like you do too. There is something so peaceful and refreshing about the great outdoors. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Sherri Bryant]

Martha, what a fun time at the nursery. The vinca looks great. We have it for ground cover at our home in Vancouver WA and it is a loyal friend that never fails. It has thrived so that I will be digging some to bring to our home on Fidalgo Island in the San Juans and am sure it will do equally well there.

[JAC]

Hi Martha! First time poster, long time lurker. I just wanted to say that your nursery experience looks fabulous! The ornamental conifers grabbed my attention because they just have such a great shape!

Happy Planting! =)

[michael anthamatten]

I love the amazing color and rich landscape of the nursery. I already miss the show-I can't wait until season 4. My DVR won't tape it unless it is listed as a new segment...

[akrose1]

Wow! You have sooo many more options than we do in Alaska. Spring finally has come to Anchorage, so this weeekend I too did my plant shopping and scrounging from my parent's garden. Doesn't it feel good!

[Nan Ashby]

Hi again Martha, Oh such love for nature at Hardscrabble Farm. I read your blog usually, as soon as I wake up, and you have so made me just love plants of all kinds. I love the outdoors and now through you, I am seeing and learning so much. I almost feel as though I am experiencing life as a precious blessing that I almost had forgotten after being confined in a classroom as a reading teacher for 32 years. I love it. Don't get me wrong, but I feel as though I am toward a revival of life. I do know that I wish I had been a fraction of the teacher you and your Mom were and are. Thanks, Nan

[Andrew Ritchie]

Gorgeous nursery! I love the hills and the various kinds of foliage on display.

Looks like you got some lilacs and some nice evergreen shrubs. Can't tell what those two bushes are near the back of the truck...

Andrew

[Allison]

I love the beautiful colors, another great post!

[gafarmwoman]

Hi. I really enjoyed the visit to the plant nursery today. It has such a great variety too. Great photos.
Have a great day!

[Lisa]

Martha,
I loved this blog. It is my first time on your site, I was actually looking for lights!

But, I am a Consulting Arborist in Los Angeles and fortunately get to be amongst the trees and landscaping EVERY DAY! :)
Your photos were great! The trees are truly what make a town beautiful and breathtaking. If you are ever in LA, please look us up and we'll take you on a fabulous tour!
Looking forward to reading more of your blogs.
Thanks for sharing!
Best, Lisa S.